FTC challenge blocks Virginia hospital chain’s merger

Virginia-based hospital chain Inova Health System has abandoned its plans to merge with Prince William Hospital due to a legal challenge from the Federal Trade Commission. The commission and Virginia Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell had filed a legal challenge against the merger, saying it would violate federal antitrust laws and lead to increased costs and reduced coverage for Northern Virginians. The merger was expected to be completed at the end of May.

Without its acquisition by Highmark Inc., West Penn Allegheny Health System would have been forced to shutter West Penn Hospital by this fall, the chairman of the health system's board of directors said...

One day before Detroit Medical Center planned to finalize its $1.5 billion sale to Vanguard Health Systems, the Michigan health system announced a settlement with federal prosecutors. Vanguard and DMC say...